(Copyright - Walking Horse Report)  The first hearing in the law suit filed by the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association against the National Walking Horse Association has been set for February 8, 2006.  The hearing will be held in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in Nashville.

     The TWHBEA filed suit against the NWHA on December 2, 2005 seeking a preliminary injunction, permanent injunction and statutory damages in the amount of $150,000, treble and punitive damages as the court finds proper and full costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees that TWHBEA incurred in bringing this action.

     The TWHBEA alleges that NWHA has engaged in copyright infringement, trademark infringement, trademark dilution, common law unfair competition, intentional interference with business relations and two additional allegations of unfair competition.

     Attorneys for the NWHA requested an additional 20 days from the initial date for their  response to the law suit and it was granted. The hearing on February 8 will involve the request by the TWHBEA for a temporary injunction.